23ES is well-known as a ‘quality chambers with real strength in depth’ when it comes to general crime work, with both silks and juniors regularly involved in high-profile cases. Eloise Marshall KC, joint head of chambers alongside Kate Lumsdon KC, recently prosecuted Lawrence Jones, a successful tech entrepreneur convicted of raping and sexually assaulting three women between 1993 and 2013, and sentenced to 15 years in prison. In the last few years John Price KC has prosecuted in several historic murder trials, including the trial of a man, aged thirteen at the time of the offence, convicted of murdering six-year-old Rikki Neave in November 1994. ’Confident advocate’ David Dainty offers expertise in sexual offences cases as well as cases involving serious violence against children.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Adam Chapman is a really great clerk. He just has such a good handle on cases whichever barrister they are with. He will do his best to accommodate any particular needs and requests and is sensitive to the needs of each case and instructing solicitor.'
- 'Wayne King and Adam Chapman provide a sterling service. They are trustworthy and very helpful no matter what the case is.'
- 'Adam Chapman is the jewel in the crown of an excellent clerking team.'
- '23ES is consistently excellent with the best clerking team bar none. Wayne King is a legend of the game.'
- '23ES is a well-respected criminal set with a large number of silks and juniors who are always well prepared and adopt a sensible and realistic approach to their cases.'
- '23ES is a fantastic set; they have a strong clerking team and brilliant barristers across the board.'
- '23ES is a strong set with depth in all areas of crime.'
- 'An excellent set. They are highly respected in the prosecution and defence of serious crime.'
Silks
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Eloise Marshall KC
23ES ‘Eloise is a top silk with the full skill set required of a barrister. She is a formidable cross-examiner, focusing questions on the relevant issues and relentlessly pursuing her point, though she can also deal with issues with a light touch when necessary. Her ability to adapt her style and approach to what is required in the case is brilliant. Her closing speeches are extremely engaging and persuasive.’
Kate Lumsdon KC
23ES ‘Kate simply exudes quality. She inspires trust from clients, judges and opponents alike. Kate is a master of detail, highly effective on her feet, straight as a die, utterly professional and the epitome of charm.’
Lisa Wilding KC
23ES ‘Lisa is a measured and forceful advocate. She is organised, reasonable, and can charm any jury with her charismatic flair.'
Mark Fenhalls KC
23ES
Jennifer Knight KC
23ES ‘Jennifer demonstrates mastery of the law and facts in all cases. She is calm and measured in cases of the utmost sensitivity. In particular she has an in-depth knowledge of the complicated and difficult medical evidence that arises in the homicide of children. Jennifer is a powerful advocate on top of her game in all senses.’
Rossano Scamardella KC
23ES ‘Rossano rolls up his sleeves and gets stuck in straight away – even if he comes to a case only a very short time before trial he is totally on top of it. He is persuasive, his cross-examination is laser-like in its focus, and his closing speeches are robust.’
Paul Bogan KC
23ES
Alan Gardner KC
23ES ‘Alan is supremely intelligent. He is able to dissect the issues in a complex case and articulate them into submissions which are readily understandable to a jury. He has an excellent manner with clients and colleagues alike.’
James Mulholland KC
23ES ‘James is one of the most impressive silks around; he is known and respected in every robing room he enters. His preparation is meticulous and he masters every detail of a case. He is an expert cross-examiner. The most impressive part of his advocacy though are his speeches: his turn of phrase and personable nature make him a jury favourite.’
Nathan Rasiah KC
23ES ‘Nathan is an understated but effective advocate who has the respect of the court.’
John Price KC
23ES ‘John has a complete command of the law. He is a superb advocate with an ability to manage multi-handed cases with ease. John is also a fierce and forensic cross-examiner. He is at the very top end of criminal silks: a go-to KC for top-end work.’
Juniors
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Elisabeth Acker
23ES ‘Elisabeth is a brilliant jury advocate. She commands attention and has a beautiful jury manner.'
Tom Godfrey
23ES ‘Tom has a charismatic presence in court and commands attention when he speaks. Juries tend to hang on his every word. He is stylish and elegant in submissions whatever their complexity or difficulty.'
Lesley Bates
23ES ‘Lesley is a highly accomplished barrister. She is extremely hard-working and conscientious, and, more importantly, she is tenacious and fearless in advancing her client’s case. Her advocacy is clear, focussed and persuasive. Lesley is also a tactical and strategic thinker and planner who has complete control of her cases.’
James Bloomer
23ES ‘James has mastered all aspects of lawyering. He is an exemplary barrister who is always on top of any case he is instructed on. He is clear and compassionate with clients, yet will be ruthless when protecting their interests. He is strategically brilliant and as eloquent and clear an advocate as you could ever wish to be represented by.’
Patrick Duffy
23ES ‘Patrick is a very personable individual who is able to remain cheerful and calm under pressure. He grasps cases very quickly.'
Jeremy Rosenberg
23ES ‘Jeremy is a very effective and persuasive advocate. His cross-examination of witnesses is clear and purposeful and his closing speeches are very good.'
David Dainty
23ES ‘David is a confident advocate that is always very well-prepared. He is able to adapt to a changing environment and moderate his approach accordingly. He is engaging and considered. He works hard and it shows in his court craft.’
Sarah Morris
23ES ‘Sarah is, quite simply, brilliant. She has a court presence that is effortlessly calm and measured, which belies the utter command and control she exercises on her feet. Sarah is adept and persistent in cross-examination, deploying a forensic approach which is magnificently effective. Her trial strategy and preparation is second to none and she will have every fact to hand even in the most complex case.’
William Eaglestone
23ES ‘William is an excellent and hardworking junior. He works well as part of a team, genuinely cares about the work he does and those he represents, and is always anxious to get it right. He is a talented and dedicated advocate.'
Charles Royle
23ES ‘Charles is a great tactician with an eye for detail. He is a commanding advocate with an engaging style that wins over both judges and juries. His legal submissions are always succinctly advanced, in a manner designed to give the judge exactly what is needed.’
Alexander Upton
23ES ‘Alex is as committed and well-prepared as they come. He is approachable and knowledgeable and always does his homework. Clients appreciate his excellent submissions as well as his style and charm. He’s set for the very top.’